Cigar Review: La Palina Fuego Verde
Candela cigars have the appearance of something very old, something my grandfather would smoke if he smoked. Small towns in the mid west would see the local folks puffing away on their candela cigars , heading to the local bar for a pint. At least that is the image I am visualizing. Let’s get to the real world then. This cigar came my way during a La Palina cigar eventat CigZone in West Los Angeles. I purchased the stick for $7.99 and as always how and where I received the cigar does not impact my opinion. If you are interested in what I say make it a point to try it yourself.
Brand/Name of Cigar: La Palina/ Fuego Verde
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Size 5.5 X 50
Wrapper: Cameroon, Candela
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Nicaraguan
Shape: Robusto
Price: $7.99 single from the Cig Zone, West Los Angeles
Purchase Date; 5/15/17
Where and When Smoked: Los Angeles , 8/20/17
Appearance/Construction: The wrapper was of a light green hue with veins visible in the body of the cigar. The construction was solid with no obvious defects. No oil to the touch. My experience with candela wrapper cigars is almost non-existent. I am treating this review as if this is the first time I ever handled a candela smoke. Where it leads to is a good guess.
Flavor/Taste and Aroma:
First third started with a sweetness similar to a Jolly Rancher candy with a berry like flavor. It also had a hint of pepper, an unusal combo. Mild to medium in strength, pretty smooth with no major taste issues.
The second third the smoke made an abrupt turn. The flavor became flinty and metallic, not pleasant giving me second thoughts about finishing the cigar.
The final third the cigar made still another turn as the metallic flavor disappeared and the profile gave a nutty, creamy hit.
Smoking Characteristics:
The burn line was uneven, getting real lopsided. The ash was very light in color but was cool and stayed lit. The burn line did correct itself as we headed to the final third.
Conclusion/Overall Impression:
My experience with this cigar was unsatisfactory with too many issues to get any enjoyment. I wanted to smoke it to the end but it was a battle to do that. I do not think it had to do anything to do with my lack of knowledge with candela wrappers. It was just a poor cigar.
Final Thoughts and the Numbers.
Candela cigars are a rare item in today’s market and if this cigar is any indication of candela , I would not smoke one again. I usually tell cigar smokers to make your own decisions , in this case do not bother.
Appearance/Construction: 3 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 1.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 2 out of 5
Conclusion/Overall Impression: 2 out of 5
Keep smoking
